Sunday, 12 April 2015

Hire a General Contractor

Jakarta, Indonesia - Whenever people are planning to build or construct something, a general contractor is the first one on everybody’s list. General contractors are the "big picture" thinkers. They work with you through the entire project, from the idea phase to the finished product. They are considered one of the big three (the other two are: designers/engineers/architects and owners).

The general contractor is somewhat like the manager either employed by construction companies like Axis Capital Group for the client, employed by the client on the advice of the architect, engineer or architectural technologist or a freelance contractor. He is responsible for the overall coordination of a project. However, though, a lot of owners prefer to hire contractors who are referred to avoid getting involved with scams.

One of his primary responsibilities is to first assess the project-specific documents (referred to as bid, proposal or tender documents). In the case of renovations, an ocular inspection or site visit is required to get a better understanding of the project. Depending on the project delivery method, the contractor will submit a fixed price proposal or bid, cost plus price or an estimate. The general contractor considers the cost of home office overhead, general conditions, materials and equipment as well as the cost of labor to provide the owner with a price for the project.

Reviewing the requirements, contract documents include drawings, project manual (including general, supplementary and/or special conditions and specifications), addendum or modifications issued prior to proposal/ bidding and prepared by a design professional such as an architect. The general contractor may be the construction manager or construction manager at risk.

Qualifications

General contractors often start out as construction workers. While gaining work experience, they learn about different aspects of construction, including masonry, carpentry, framing, and plumbing. Aspiring general contractors communicate with subcontractors and may learn the management skills they need to run their own company.

Experience in the construction industry as well as references from customers, business partners, or former employers are demanded. Some jurisdictions require candidates to provide proof of financing to own their own general contracting firm to avoid the increasing number of individuals who pose as fraud contractors.

Freelancers

Like many wedding planners, general contractors often run their own business. They hire subcontractors to complete specialized construction work and may manage a team of plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters and other specialists. General contractors build their business by networking with potential clients, buying basic construction tools, and ensuring that their subcontractors complete high-quality work. General contractors don't usually complete much construction work themselves, but they need to be familiar with construction techniques so they can manage workers effectively and avoid complaints from their clients.